Anyway, whilst waiting for a Dingwall to turn up (could be anywhere up to 6-10 months) I decided to look into other multi-scale basses as I just haven't been happy with the 4th and 5th string of my 34" scale bass, especially when tuned down half a step, the E loses its snap and the B just goes flubby.
So with selling the OB1 and another 8 watt amp I had made for me when I was gigging with a trio, I managed to snag one of these ESP LTD B-1005MS basses that are made at the LTD Korean plant to more or less the Dingwall specs.
34" scale on the G and 37" on the B. This thing just punches like Chuck Norris. With the Active preamp and the Nordstrand Big Splits I am able to pull out every tone I can think of. Also the addition of an Active/Passive switch nearly allows me to sink into the mix for those times that subtlety is called for
The fit and finish of this bass is incredible and the neck alone is a thing of beauty.
The only issue was due to its size (123cm tip to tail) it took me awhile to find a case to suit it. Ended up buying the Mono Bass Sleeve. Fits like a glove.
Had an audition on Saturday with a Post-Rock/Noise Rock band who draw a lot of influences from Shellac, Melvins and Slint. Happy to say that the AD200 hasn't sounded better and with this bass it just held up the bottom end fantastically. Now to hope I get the gig
